The ED has already conducted one of its biggest searches in Odisha and found the most shocking evidence of illegal mining and money laundering at this point in time, said its Enforcement Directorate. ED’s Bhubaneswar Zonal Office laid at the scene of an almirah that contained crores of rupees worth of liquid cash, luxury vehicles under pseudonymous or pseudonymized names and numerous documents related to immovable property, agreements and mining leases. This operation was carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 and highlighted the size of corruption and illegal mining related activity in the state.
The search was part of a broader investigation investigating illegal mining activity that Odisha has been grappling with for years. Mining is a significant industry in the state but has frequently been associated with irregularities, exploitation and environmental degradation. The latest operation was indicative of how it is now evident that individuals and groups were also using mining under cover to generate black money and launder that proceeds through a variety of ways. Officers during the raid found crores of rupees in cash stored in an almirah. The amount of liquid cash reveals how much money is being illicitly dealt with. Between the cash, the ED seized luxury cars marked as false or anonymous, raising suspicion they could be used in carrying money or concealing assets.
The biggest thing that the operation was was getting documents back. This was the land, contracts, and mining lease. Those documents are important, too, as they form a trail from illegal mining activity to individuals and companies.” They also illustrate the acquisition of immovable properties, often through the financial transfer of black money into legal assets. The ED will review these documents to provide a traceback of who these networks are. That could involve the mining firms and intermediaries as well as officials and may include government officials who may have turned a blind eye to irregular practices. The evidence will help strengthen the case under PMLA, which is concerned with the prevention of money laundering and confiscation and other kinds of transactions involving the confiscation by others of resources earned from criminal activity.
Illegal mining has not ceased in Odisha, which is rich in such minerals as iron ore, coal, and bauxite. If mining accounts strongly for the state’s economy, illegal practices have ravaged forests, displaced communities and lost revenue to the state. The ED’s activity is a stark reminder that illegal mining is not just an environmental problem; it is also a financial crime. The ED has boldly rejected such activity as it has seized cash, vehicles and the documentation of property. That crackdown could result in stricter scrutiny of mining leases and greater accountability for companies that run the sector.
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, gives jurisdiction to agencies such as the ED against the people who create, hide, or commit illegal wealth. This operation illustrates the critical need for such laws to combat corruption and protect public resources. It also represents the government’s position to ensure that natural resources are used responsibly and that people benefit from mining rather than some big shots. The operation is a reminder of transparency and accountability for society. Mining not only deprives the state of revenue, but also impacts communities that live in the area of mining. Through cracking down these practices, the authorities are working to protect the environment as well as the rights of citizens.
Odisha’s ED Bhubaneswar Zonal Office uncovers the largest case of illicit mining and money laundering. Operates with crores of cash, luxury vehicles and property documents seized to reveal the scale of corruption in the mining sector. As investigations unfold, more names and networks could come to light, so that action under PMLA can be more robust. Not only is this operation the end of the road—it’s to protect Odisha’s resources, preserve all wealth to be wisely spent, and ensure law and order.” For the people of Odisha, it means justice and cleaner, fairer mining.
